Another Nigerian Dies in Russia-Ukraine War, Says Ukrainian Intelligence

Ukraine has announced the death of another Nigerian allegedly fighting alongside Russian forces in the ongoing war, raising fresh concerns over claims that Africans are being recruited into the conflict through deceptive means.

In a statement released on Thursday, Ukraine’s Defence Intelligence identified the deceased as Ayebusiwa Olabode Victor, born on April 28, 1992, and said to be from Ilutitun in Ondo State, Nigeria. Ukrainian authorities claimed Victor was killed during military operations near the settlement of Hrafske in the Kharkiv region. The statement included what appeared to be the front page of the Nigerian’s passport as part of the disclosure.

According to Ukrainian intelligence, Victor allegedly signed a mercenary contract with Russian forces in late February barely one week after Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs warned citizens against illegal recruitment into foreign wars.

The ministry had earlier cautioned Nigerians about growing reports of citizens allegedly being lured abroad with fake employment promises before being forced into combat roles.

Ukraine previously announced the discovery of the bodies of two Nigerians allegedly fighting on the Russian side in the Luhansk region earlier in the war.

While Russia has consistently denied accusations of covert recruitment of Africans into the conflict, Ukrainian authorities insist the practice remains widespread.

In its latest statement, Ukraine accused Russian-linked agents of using deceptive online job advertisements on platforms such as Facebook and WhatsApp to recruit vulnerable Africans.

“Victims are issued visas, provided one-way tickets, and promised employment. Upon arrival in Moscow, they are met by intermediaries who confiscate their passports under the pretext of processing documents and place them in hostels,” the statement alleged.

“Within days, they discover that no job exists, their visas have been cancelled, and they have no money to return home.”

Ukraine further alleged that recruits are then pressured into joining Russia’s military campaign under threats of deportation, imprisonment or financial hardship.

The statement also referenced comments reportedly made by pro-Kremlin propagandist Mikhail Zvinchuk, who allegedly discussed recruitment schemes targeting Africans. According to Ukrainian intelligence, at least 215 Nigerians have signed contracts with the Russian Ministry of Defence since the war intensified, with no fewer than 25 reportedly killed or declared missing in action.

The agency claimed that despite repeated denials from Russian diplomats, the number of Nigerian fighters operating alongside Russian forces continues to grow.

The Russia-Ukraine war, now stretching into its fourth year, has increasingly drawn international attention over allegations of foreign recruitment and the exploitation of vulnerable migrants from Africa and Asia.